War of words in East Med heats up as Turkey issues warning to Egypt and Israel: The cold war in the East Mediterranean between Turkey and everyone else intensified after Turkey’s foreign ministry warned against comments made by Egypt and Israel’s ambassadors to Cyprus, TRT World reports. Egypt’s ambassador, Mai Mohamed, is reported to have said that Egypt will not hesitate to take action against Turkish navy vessels off Cyprus “if necessary” during a conference last week in Nicosia, while Israel’s ambassador had reportedly said he hopes military force will not have to be used against “Turkish provocations” in the region. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zaid denied to RT Arabic that Mohamed had made the remarks. Turkey’s foreign ministry said the comments “exceed their limits” and were "out of place." Turkish military has been blocking drilling efforts in Cyprus’ portion of the EEZ all year, prompting international condemnation.

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